Temptation of Jesus #2 (Matthew 4:5-7, Deut. 6:16, Exodus 15, 17, Numbers 13-14)

Link to text: Matthew 4:5-7, Deut. 6:16, Exodus 15, 17, Numbers 13-14

Temptation #2: Throw yourself down from the temple – the angels will save you. In other words…
· Using God to accomplish your own ends, or
· Temptation to manipulate, rather than cooperate with, God
“It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
-- Matthew 4:7

Think About This

1. What are some times when you were counting on God to do something for you and he came through? … didn’t come through?
2. Were there differences in the circumstances of each?

Discussion

Recap

1. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was tempted? Why do you think God would allow Jesus to go into a situation where he knew he’d be tempted? How does knowing that he was tempted make you feel? (read Hebrews 4:14-16)
2. Do you think that you are tempted in ways that Jesus wasn’t? Explain why or why not? (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

Read about Jesus’ 2nd temptation in Matthew 4:5-7, and the reference to his response in Deuteronomy 6:16

1. What strategies did Satan use when he was tempting Jesus?
2. What gain could Jesus possibly have if he would have accepted the temptation?
3. Read the original passage Satan quoted in Psalm 91:11-12. Did God imply or say that anyone, or Jesus, should risk their life in order to engage God?
4. What strategies does Satan use to tempt us?
5. What strategies did Jesus use to fight temptation? What strategies/weapons can we use to fight temptation?

For context regarding the command in Deuteronomy 6:16, read the following passages to understand God’s faithfulness in the first few months of the Exodus:

Passage	Where	What
Exodus 15:19-21	Red Sea	Saving water
Exodus 15:22-26	Marah	Bitter water
Exodus 15:27	Elim	Springs of water
Exodus 16	Desert of Sin	Bread (Temptation #1)
Exodus 17:1-7	Massah	Rock water

1. How is jumping off the temple like grumbling for water?
2. Explore the parallels between the Israelites’ time in the wilderness with Jesus’ time in the wilderness. How had God blessed each in the past? What had he promised each in the future? What were each dealing with in the present?
3. How do you think the Israelites felt when they escaped through the dry ground of the Red Sea? If you would have experienced what they experienced, how long would that have affected you?
4. Contrast the peoples’ communication to Moses in 15:24 and Moses’ communication to God in 15:25.
5. What do you think the people felt in 15:27? What type of land typically would support 70 palm trees?
6. Why were the people moving from place to place? (17:1)
7. Again, contrast the peoples’ communication to Moses in 17:2-3 and Moses’ communication to God in 17:4.
8. When the people quarreled with Moses, who were they indirectly quarreling with?
9. Are the complaints of the Israelites valid? What is another way they could express their need or frustration?
10. Was thirst their only problem? What was the deeper object lesson? How well do you suppose they learned this lesson?
11. What do these passages teach about the authority of Moses and God?
12. In this case (and many others), the people tested God, and God came through for them. What does this tell you about God?

Read about spying on the Promised Land in Numbers 13:1-2, 13:21-22 and Numbers 14

1. What did the spies find on their adventure? (13:21-22, 27-28)
2. Contrast the 2 perspectives of the report from Caleb (13:30) and the others (13:31-33)
3. What words of motivation did Joshua and Caleb deliver to the Israelites? (14:6-9) What was their response? (14:10)
4. What was God’s response to Moses? (14:11-12) … and Moses’ response to God? (14:13-19)
5. And, in conclusion, what did God decide to do that would impact the Israelites for the next 38 years? (14:21-35) (see below for the 10 failures referenced in 14:22)
6. How do you think Moses felt after reaching the edge of Canaan (the Promised Land) and then the Lord laid down the law and told them to turn around and return to the desert towards the Red Sea – the beginning of their journey? (14:15)
7. What was the response of the Israelites when Moses gave them the bad news? (14:39-40)
8. What did the Israelites decide to do and what were they presuming God would do for them? Did they really have a change of heart? (14:44)
9. What happened? (14:45) In this case (and many others), the people tested God. But this time, God was silent. What does this tell you about God?
10. What are ways that we test God? Ie. We presume upon his grace; we make plans ourselves then invite God to help make the plans work.

Consider the following diagrams. Which one is a pattern of cooperating with God? With manipulating or testing God?



Ten failures referenced in Numbers 14:22

1. lacking trust crossing Red Sea (Ex 14:11-12)
2. complaining about bitter water at Marah (Ex 15:24)
3. complaining in Desert of Sin (Ex 16:3)
4. collecting more than daily quota of manna (Ex 16:20)
5. collecting manna on Sabbath (Ex 16:27-29)
6. complaining about lack of water at Massah (Ex 17:2-3)
7. engaging in idolatry of golden calf (Ex 32:7-10)
8. complaining at Taberah (Num 11:1-2)
9. more complaining over lack of delicious food (Num 11:4)
10. failing to trust God an enter Promised Land (Num 14:1-4)

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. Obedience = If I trust God, I will ______________ .
2. Presumption/Testing = If God will do _____________, then I will trust him.
3. The issue is not whether Jesus has faith to risk his life to prove God will save him, but can he trust God.
4. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
5. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. What strategies/weapons can we use to fight temptation?
2. Look to your own past and future and think how God has blessed you, or what he has promised.
3. How will you “let go and let God” the next time you “thirst”?
4. Are your prayers indicative of manipulation of, or cooperation with, God?

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Serendipity Study Bible for Groups.
4. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.
5. Ron Julian, “Testing God,” Gutenberg College McKenzie Study Center.